The Home Office offers Standard processing and, if available for your application, Priority and Super Priority services for a faster decision. GOV.UK states that faster services are only available for eligible applications.
- Compare Student visa processing times and fees
- Standard Service
- Priority Service
- Super Priority Service
- When to apply
- How to submit your application
- When does the processing time start?
- Travel while waiting for your visa decision
- Definitions
Compare Student visa processing times and fees
Standard Service
- Application fee: £558 per applicant
- Dependants: £558 application fee per dependant
- Processing time: Usually within 8 weeks
Priority Service
- Application fee: £558
- Priority fee: Additional £500 per applicant
- Total: £1,058 per applicant
- Dependants: £1,058 per dependant if using the Priority Service
- Processing time: Usually within 5 working days
Super Priority Service
- Application fee: £558
- Super Priority fee: Additional £1,000 per applicant
- Total: £1,558 per applicant
- Dependants: £1,558 per dependant if using the Super Priority Service
- Processing time: Usually by the end of the next working day
If your appointment or document upload takes place at a weekend or on a bank holiday, the decision will usually be made within 2 working days.
Priority and Super Priority services are only available for eligible applications. You will be able to select a faster service when you apply if it is available to you.
When to apply
You must submit your Student visa application before your current visa expires.
Make sure you leave enough time to complete your application. Processing can take longer if, for example, UKVI needs additional information or needs to check your supporting documents. Check current visa processing times on GOV.UK.
How to submit your application
You must apply online.
As part of your application, you will be told how to prove your identity. You will either:
- use the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
- have your fingerprints and photograph taken at a UK Visa and Citizenship Application Services (UKVCAS) service point.
If you need an appointment, see Biometric Enrolment appointment.
When does the processing time start?
UKVI starts processing your application when you either:
- verify your identity and submit your documents and application using the UK Immigration: ID Check app, or
- attend your appointment to provide your biometric information.
Travel while waiting for your visa decision
Do not book travel abroad until you have received a decision on your visa application. GOV.UK advises applicants not to book travel until they have received their decision.
For a Student visa extension, you must not travel outside the UK, Ireland, the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man while waiting for a decision. Your application will be withdrawn if you do.
If your application is successful, you will receive an eVisa, which is a digital record of your identity and immigration status.
Definitions
Dependant: On this page, this refers to an eligible partner or child applying as your dependant.
Biometric information: Your fingerprints and photograph, which you may need to provide as part of your application.